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Penetrator role in Mars sample strategyThe application of the penetrator to a Mars Return Sample Mission (MRSM) has direct advantages to meet science objectives and mission safety. Based on engineering data and work currently conducted at Ball Aerospace Systems Division, the concept of penetrators as scientific instruments is entirely practical. The primary utilization of a penetrator for MRSM would be to optimize the selection of the sample site location and to help in selection of the actual sample to be returned to Earth. It is recognized that the amount of sample to be returned is very limited, therefore the selection of the sample site is critical to the success of the mission. The following mission scenario is proposed. The site selection of a sample to be acquired will be performed by science working groups. A decision will be reached and a set of target priorities established based on data to give geochemical, geophysical and geological information. The first task of a penetrator will be to collect data at up to 4 to 6 possible landing sites. The penetrator can include geophysical, geochemical, geological and engineering instruments to confirm that scientific data requirements at that site will be met. This in situ near real-time data, collected prior to final targeting of the lander, will insure that the sample site is both scientifically valuable and also that it is reachable within limits of the capability of the lander.
Document ID
19890008941
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Boynton, William (Arizona Univ. Tucson., United States)
Dwornik, Steve (Ball Aerospace Systems Div. Boulder, CO., United States)
Eckstrom, William (Ball Aerospace Systems Div. Boulder, CO., United States)
Roalstad, David A. (Ball Aerospace Systems Div. Boulder, CO., United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Inst., Workshop on Mars Sample Return Science
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
89N18312
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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